Friday, April 16, 2010

So Proud

Our oldest will turn 20 in May and we are so proud of him for starting college this past week. There is a story behind all of this to prove what a big deal it is. Travis started school like any other little kid but as the years rolled by his teachers and us as parents realized that there was some learning issues. By 4th grade he was diagnosed with ADD and struggling, by 7th grade he was held back a year when we moved to another city. Once he reached high school there was just not getting around the fact that he didn't try anymore. He had struggled for so long with no results that he didn't care anymore. I started homeschooling our daughter when she was in 2nd and he was in 9th grade. Many times I asked him if he would like to come home but always got a no. In the 11th grade he finally came home and I learned just how far behind he was. At the end of his 11th grade year he turned 18 and made the decision he did not want to finish his Senior Year, instead he wanted to work. I turned it over to God and knew that someday everything would work out. He has always had a great work ethic. Worked at a pizza joint his sophomore and junior year of high school. Then when he turned 18 got his first adult job at a window and door company working full time and is still there almost two years later. About 8 months ago he decided on his own that he needed to get his GED, studied on his own and passed the first time. Then three months ago decided he wanted to go to college, took the placement tests and passed them on the first try. Now has started two night college classes while still working full time. He wants a degree in Computer Networking, right now a diploma program but hoping to transfer it into a two year or four year degree. This is a big deal for our family. I am so proud of him. All it took was stepping back and letting God work and not pushing the school issue with him. He had to mature and find out that he wanted it on his own.

5 comments:

Annie Jones said...

Good for him! Sounds like he not only figured out what he wanted, but also figured out ways to study and learn that work for him. :)

Mrs. Mac said...

Your cabin home reminds me a bit of the one Laura Ingalls lived in ... very charming and homey! Congratulations to you for allowing your son to find his way. Sometimes when our children struggle, they need to do a lot of soul searching to find their 'groove' .. not that parental guidance is not important .. but you were wise to step back and see the bigger picture .. and trust in the Lord. Blessings to you.

Kelly Rhoades said...

And he's doing such a wonderful job! One of the secretaries who is his friend's mom came in today bragging about him and telling me how much she's always loved him!

Tanya Murray said...

You were absolutely right not to push the issues with your son. Once they become young adults we have to believe that we have given them the best foundations we could and then it is up to them what they build on that. Of course support and direction is important but many people with well meaning intentions pressure their kids. I know myself I can't think and ponder decisions with lots of people talking at me. I can remember how frustrated I used to get with Mum. I needed to make some mistakes and boy I really did. He has found his season and you can certainly be proud of the strong foundations that he builds upon. Well done you guys.

Frances said...

How wonderful! I am so proud of your son. Sometimes they have to take a break to figure out what they need to do. Good for you for letting God take the reigns.